NFC North - 2_Chicago Bears1

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NFC NORTH
CHICAGO
2014 STRENGTHS:
• Quarterbacks, wide receivers, pass protection
Bears Offense
Under new head coach Marc Trestman in 2013, the Bears’
offense flourished as one of the best downfield passing attacks
in the NFL. Chicago’s sudden improvement originated with
the offensive line, a unit that struggled badly for years before
Trestman’s arrival. The five-man unit of Jermon Bushrod, Matt
Slauson, Roberto Garza, Kyle Long, and Jordan Mills did a great
job of protecting quarterbacks Jay Cutler and Josh McCown.
They allowed Cutler and McCown to be sacked just 30 times all
season, a dramatic improvement from the 93 sacks allowed in the
previous two seasons.
With more time to throw, Cutler responded by completing
a higher percentage of passes and earning a higher passer
rating than in any of his previous years as Chicago’s starting
quarterback. While Cutler’s interception rate was still high,
he made up for it by gaining more yards and finding the end
zone more frequently than ever before. However, when Cutler
was injured, he was unexpectedly overshadowed by reserve
quarterback and career backup Josh McCown. As a fill-in for
Cutler, McCown improbably produced a 13-1 touchdowninterception
ratio, winning three out of five starts and leaving
doubt as to who would be Chicago’s quarterback upon
Cutler’s return.
Trestman made it clear when Cutler returned that he was the
2014 WEAKNESSES:
• Rushing defense, defensive line, linebackers
BEARS
starting quarterback of the Bears, a commitment that was set in
stone when McCown signed with Tampa Bay as a free agent in
the offseason. It is very important to Chicago that Cutler remain
healthy this season because none of the quarterbacks backing
him up have established themselves as proven performers.
Jordan Palmer, Jimmy Clausen, and sixth-round pick David Fales
will compete for that position.
If Cutler can stay on the field, the Bears’ offense should be
productive again in 2014 as Cutler will have plenty of weapons
to throw to. Brandon Marshall has consistently been one of the
top wide receivers in the league, and is now joined by breakout
star Alshon Jeffery. The duo combined for a whopping 2,716
receiving yards last year. With all-purpose running back
Matt Forte and tight end Martellus Bennett providing key
contributions as well, things are set up nicely for the Bears to
prove they have an above-average offense.
Offensive Player to Watch
While Jeffery entered the 2013 season with some buzz as a
potential “sleeper,” there weren’t many people who predicted the
massive breakout that ended up happening. Jeffery exploded for
89 receptions, 1,421 yards and 7 touchdowns playing opposite
Brandon Marshall in the Chicago offense. The addition of a
second dominant receiving option was a dynamic that helped
transform the Bears’ offense from mediocre to one of the better
units in the NFL.
There are reasons to believe Jeffery will follow up strongly
on that breakout season. Consider that as a receiver in the SEC
in 2010, Jeffery produced more yards per game than fellow SEC
receivers A.J. Green and Julio Jones. Expect Jeffery to continue
his excellent play in 2014.
Bears Defense
Chicago Bears defense is a unit that has become a brand name
unto itself. A select few teams in league history are synonymous
with tough defense. The Pittsburgh Steelers. The Baltimore
Ravens. The New York Giants. And, until last year, the Chicago
Bears. That’s the legacy of a history of stout defenses led by
legends like Dick Butkus, Mike Singletary, and Brian Urlacher.
If Chicago’s offense was a surprise in 2014, then their defense
GEORGE GOJKOVICH/GETTY IMAGES SPORT
Jay Cutler